Graphic flow having unlimited number of connections between shapes

ABSTRACT

Techniques are described herein that are capable of generating a graphic flow having an unlimited number of connections between shapes. The shapes are provided in a visual representation of a workspace defined by pixels. For instance, a first shape may have an outer perimeter defined by a first subset of the pixels; a second shape may have an outer boundary defined by a second subset of the pixels, and so on. Any pixel in each subset may serve as a connection point. For example, a first pixel of the first subset may serve as a first connection point based on any of a variety of first criteria, and a second pixel of the second subset may serve as a second connection point based on any of a variety of second criteria. In accordance with this example, a connection may be provided between the first and second connection points.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/179,027, entitled “GRAPHIC FLOW HAVING UNLIMITED NUMBER OFCONNECTIONS BETWEEN SHAPES,” filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/307,720; now U.S.Pat. No. 9,367,201, entitled “GRAPHIC FLOW HAVING UNLIMITED NUMBER OFCONNECTIONS BETWEEN SHAPES,” filed Nov. 30, 2011, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Graphical flows are diagrams that represent relationships betweenvarious entities. Shapes typically are used to represent the entities,and arrows often are used to represent the relationships between theentities. One example type of graphical flow is a flowchart. In aflowchart, shapes represent steps in a process, and arrows representflow of control between the steps. Another example type of graphicalflow is a state machine. In a state machine, shapes represent states ofa system, and arrows represent transitions between the states. Eachtransition includes an action that is triggered by an event or acondition. The event or condition that triggers a transition is denotedby the starting point of the arrow that represents that transition.

Graphical software programs commonly are used to generate and/or modifygraphical flows. For instance, a user may interact with such a graphicalsoftware program via an interface to place shapes and to draw arrowsbetween those shapes. However, conventional graphical software programsoften limit a number of points on each shape to which arrows may beconnected to a relative small predetermined number (e.g., four), andsuch points often are fixed at predetermined locations on the shape(e.g., at a midpoint of each side of the shape).

It may be desirable to create a substantial number of connectionsbetween shapes. Moreover, it may be desirable for connections from aspecified shape to start at different points on a border of thespecified shape. Accordingly, a number of connections from the specifiedshape may exceed a number allowed by a conventional graphical softwareprogram. In the context of a state machine, a number of possible eventsand/or conditions that are capable of triggering a transition from aspecified state may exceed a number of points on a corresponding shapein the graphical flow to which arrows may be connected.

SUMMARY

Various approaches are described herein for, among other things,generating a graphical flow having an unlimited number of connectionsbetween shapes. Each connection is defined by a starting connectionpoint and an ending connection point. The shapes are provided in avisual representation of a workspace that is defined by pixels. Eachshape has an outer boundary that is defined by a respective subset ofthe pixels. For instance, a first shape may have an outer perimeterdefined by a first subset of the pixels; a second shape may have anouter boundary defined by a second subset of the pixels, and so on. Anyof the pixels in each subset may serve as a connection point. Forexample, a first pixel of the first subset may serve as a firstconnection point based on any of a variety of first criteria, and asecond pixel of the second subset may serve as a second connection pointbased on any of a variety of second criteria. In accordance with thisexample, a connection may be provided between the first connection pointand the second connection point.

A method is described in which information regarding a visualrepresentation of a workspace is provided toward a user interface. Thevisual representation is defined by pixels. A first shape is provided inthe workspace. The first shape has an outer perimeter that is defined bya first subset of the pixels. A determination is made that a selectionaction is initiated while a cursor is located at a first location in theworkspace. A first pixel of the first subset is determined for which adistance between the first pixel and the first location is not greaterthan a distance between each other pixel of the first subset and thefirst location. A determination is made that a release action isinitiated while the cursor is located at a second location in theworkspace. A connection is provided between the first pixel and a secondpixel that is included in a second subset of the pixels. The secondsubset defines an outer boundary of a second shape. A distance betweenthe second pixel and the second location is not greater than a distancebetween each other pixel of the second subset and the second location.

Another method is described. In accordance with this method, informationregarding a visual representation of a workspace is provided toward auser interface. The visual representation is defined by pixels. A firstshape is provided in the workspace. The first shape has an outerperimeter that is defined by a first subset of the pixels. The firstsubset includes a series of adjacent pixels for each side of the firstshape. Each pixel in the first subset is selectable as a firstconnection point. A second shape is provided in the workspace. Thesecond shape has an outer perimeter that is defined by a second subsetof the pixels. The second subset includes a series of adjacent pixelsfor each side of the second shape. Each pixel in the second subset isselectable as a second connection point. A determination is made that aselection action is initiated while a cursor is located at a firstlocation within a first specified proximity to the first shape in theworkspace. A determination is made that a release action is initiatedwhile the cursor is located at a second location in the workspace. Afirst pixel of the first subset of pixels is selected to be the firstconnection point based on one or more first criteria. A second pixel ofthe second subset of pixels is selected to be the second connectionpoint based on one or more second criteria. A connection is providedbetween the first connection point and the second connection point.

A system is described that includes workspace logic, shape logic, actionlogic, distance logic, and connection logic. The workspace logic isconfigured to provide information regarding a visual representation of aworkspace toward a user interface. The visual representation is definedby pixels. The shape logic is configured to provide a first shape in theworkspace. The first shape has an outer perimeter that is defined by afirst subset of the pixels. The action logic is configured to determinethat a selection action is initiated. The action logic is furtherconfigured to determine that a release action is initiated. Theselection action is initiated while a cursor is located at a firstlocation in the workspace. The release action is initiated while thecursor is located at a second location in the workspace. The distancelogic is configured to determine a first pixel of the first subset forwhich a distance between the first pixel and the first location is notgreater than a distance between each other pixel of the first subset andthe first location. The connection logic is configured to provide aconnection between the first pixel and a second pixel that is includedin a second subset of the pixels. The second subset defines an outerboundary of a second shape. A distance between the second pixel and thesecond location is not greater than a distance between each other pixelof the second subset and the second location.

Another system is described. The system includes workspace logic, shapelogic, action logic, pixel selection logic, and connection logic. Theworkspace logic is configured to provide information regarding a visualrepresentation of a workspace toward a user interface. The visualrepresentation is defined by pixels. The shape logic is configured toprovide a first shape in the workspace. The first shape has an outerperimeter that is defined by a first subset of the pixels. The firstsubset includes a series of adjacent pixels for each side of the firstshape. Each pixel in the first subset is selectable as a firstconnection point. The space logic is further configured to provide asecond shape in the workspace. The second shape has an outer perimeterthat is defined by a second subset of the pixels. The second subsetincludes a series of adjacent pixels for each side of the second shape.Each pixel in the second subset is selectable as a second connectionpoint. The action logic is configured to determine that a selectionaction is initiated. The action logic is further configured to determinethat a release action is initiated. The selection action is initiatedwhile a cursor is located at a first location within a first specifiedproximity to the first shape in the workspace. The release action isinitiated while the cursor is located at a second location in theworkspace. The pixel selection logic is configured to select a firstpixel of the first subset of pixels to be the first connection pointbased on one or more first criteria. The pixel selection logic isfurther configured to select a second pixel of the second subset ofpixels to be the second connection point based on one or more secondcriteria. The connection logic is configured to provide a connectionbetween the first connection point and the second connection point.

A computer program product is described that includes acomputer-readable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonfor enabling a processor-based system to generate a graphic flow havingan unlimited number of connections between shapes. The computer programproduct includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth programlogic modules. The first program logic module is for enabling theprocessor-based system to provide information regarding a visualrepresentation of a workspace toward a user interface. The visualrepresentation is defined by pixels. The second program logic module isfor enabling the processor-based system to provide a first shape in theworkspace. The first shape has an outer perimeter that is defined by afirst subset of the pixels. The third program logic module is forenabling the processor-based system to determine that a selection actionis initiated. The selection action is initiated while a cursor islocated at a first location in the workspace. The fourth program logicmodule is for enabling the processor-based system to determine a firstpixel of the first subset for which a distance between the first pixeland the first location is not greater than a distance between each otherpixel of the first subset and the first location. The fifth programlogic module is for enabling the processor-based system to determinethat a release action is initiated. The release action is initiatedwhile the cursor is located at a second location in the workspace. Thesixth program logic module is for enabling the processor-based system toprovide a connection between the first pixel and a second pixel that isincluded in a second subset of the pixels. The second subset defines anouter boundary of a second shape. A distance between the second pixeland the second location is not greater than a distance between eachother pixel of the second subset and the second location.

Another computer program product is described that includes acomputer-readable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonfor enabling a processor-based system to generate a graphic flow havingan unlimited number of connections between shapes. The computer programproduct includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh,and eighth program logic modules. The first program logic module is forenabling the processor-based system to provide information regarding avisual representation of a workspace toward a user interface. The visualrepresentation is defined by pixels. The second program logic module isfor enabling the processor-based system to provide a first shape in theworkspace. The first shape has an outer perimeter that is defined by afirst subset of the pixels. The first subset includes a series ofadjacent pixels for each side of the first shape. Each pixel in thefirst subset is selectable as a first connection point. The thirdprogram logic module is for enabling the processor-based system toprovide a second shape in the workspace. The second shape has an outerperimeter that is defined by a second subset of the pixels. The secondsubset includes a series of adjacent pixels for each side of the secondshape. Each pixel in the second subset is selectable as a secondconnection point. The fourth program logic module is for enabling theprocessor-based system to determine that a selection action isinitiated. The selection action is initiated while a cursor is locatedat a first location within a first specified proximity to the firstshape in the workspace. The fifth program logic module is for enablingthe processor-based system to determine that a release action isinitiated. The release action is initiated while the cursor is locatedat a second location in the workspace. The sixth program logic module isfor enabling the processor-based system to select a first pixel of thefirst subset of pixels to be the first connection point based on one ormore first criteria. The seventh program logic module is for enablingthe processor-based system to select a second pixel of the second subsetof pixels to be the second connection point based on one or more secondcriteria. The eighth program logic module is for enabling theprocessor-based system to provide a connection between the firstconnection point and the second connection point.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, itis noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed in the Detailed Description and/or other sections of thisdocument. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrativepurposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to personsskilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present inventionand, together with the description, further serve to explain theprinciples involved and to enable a person skilled in the relevantart(s) to make and use the disclosed technologies.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computer system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show respective example diagrams thatillustrate interaction of a cursor with a shape in accordance withembodiments.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E depict respective steps in an exampleprocess for generating a connection between shapes in a graphic flow inaccordance with embodiments.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D depict respective steps in another exampleprocess for generating a connection between shapes in a graphic flow inaccordance with embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict respective portions of a flowchart of an examplemethod for generating a graphical flow in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of another example method for generating agraphical flow in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example implementation of unrestrictedconnection logic shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts an example computer in which embodiments may beimplemented.

The features and advantages of the disclosed technologies will becomemore apparent from the detailed description set forth below when takenin conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference charactersidentify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, likereference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar,and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an elementfirst appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the correspondingreference number.ggg

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Introduction

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawingsthat illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However,the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments,but is instead defined by the appended claims. Thus, embodiments beyondthose shown in the accompanying drawings, such as modified versions ofthe illustrated embodiments, may nevertheless be encompassed by thepresent invention.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” or the like, indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, whena particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s) to implement suchfeature, structure, or characteristic in connection with otherembodiments whether or not explicitly described.

II. Example Embodiments

Example embodiments described herein are capable of generating a graphicflow having an unlimited number of connections between shapes. Eachconnection is defined by a starting connection point and an endingconnection point. The shapes are provided in a visual representation ofa workspace that is defined by pixels. Each shape has an outer boundarythat is defined by a respective subset of the pixels. For instance, afirst shape may have an outer perimeter defined by a first subset of thepixels; a second shape may have an outer boundary defined by a secondsubset of the pixels, and so on. Any of the pixels in each subset mayserve as a connection point. For example, a first pixel of the firstsubset may serve as a first connection point based on any of a varietyof first criteria, and a second pixel of the second subset may serve asa second connection point based on any of a variety of second criteria.In accordance with this example, a connection may be provided betweenthe first connection point and the second connection point.

Each of the shapes described herein may be any suitable type of shape.Example types of a shape include a circle, oval, triangle, quadrilateral(e.g., square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid), pentagon, hexagon, etc.Each shape has at least one side. For instance, a circle has one sidethat coincides with an outer perimeter of the circle. An oval has oneside that coincides with an outer perimeter of the oval. A triangle hasthree sides. A quadrilateral has four sides. A pentagon has five sides.A hexagon has six sides, and so on.

Example techniques described herein have a variety of benefits ascompared to conventional techniques for generating graphic flows. Forinstance, the example techniques may allow any pixel in a perimeter of ashape to serve as a connection point. The example techniques may becapable of dynamically creating a shape in a workspace in response toprovision of a connection between a first location that corresponds toan existing shape in the workspace and a second location that does notcorrespond to another existing shape. In the context of a state machine,the example techniques may not limit a number of possible events and/orconditions that are capable of triggering a transition from a specifiedstate. Some example techniques may be performed without the use of akeyboard (e.g., in absence of a keyboard). For instance, such exampletechniques may be performed using a touch-based computing device. Atouch-based computing device is a computing device that has a tactileinterface through which instructions are received via touch commands.For instance, a user may press the interface with a finger or stylus toinitiate an instruction.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computer system 100 inaccordance with an embodiment. Generally speaking, computer system 100operates to provide information to users in response to requests (e.g.,hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests) that are received from theusers. The information may include documents (e.g., Web pages, images,video files, etc.), output of executables, and/or any other suitabletype of information. In accordance with example embodiment describedherein, computer system 100 generates and/or modifies graphic flows inresponse to such requests from the users. Detail regarding techniquesfor generating a graphic flow having unlimited connections betweenshapes is provided in the following discussion.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system 100 includes a plurality of usersystems 102A-102M, a network 104, and a plurality of servers 106A-106N.Communication among user systems 102A-102M and servers 106A-106N iscarried out over network 104 using well-known network communicationprotocols. Network 104 may be a wide-area network (e.g., the Internet),a local area network (LAN), another type of network, or a combinationthereof.

User systems 102A-102M are processing systems that are capable ofcommunicating with servers 106A-106N. An example of a processing systemis a system that includes at least one processor that is capable ofmanipulating data in accordance with a set of instructions. Forinstance, a processing system may be a computer, a personal digitalassistant, etc. User systems 102A-102M are configured to providerequests to servers 106A-106N for requesting information stored on (orotherwise accessible via) servers 106A-106N. For instance, a user mayinitiate a request for generation and/or modification of a graphic flowusing a client (e.g., a Web browser, Web crawler, or other type ofclient) deployed on a user system 102 that is owned by or otherwiseaccessible to the user. In accordance with some example embodiments,user systems 102A-102M are capable of accessing domains (e.g., Websites) hosted by servers 104A-104N, so that user systems 102A-102M mayaccess information that is available via the Web sites. Such Web sitesinclude Web pages, which may be provided as hypertext markup language(HTML) documents and objects (e.g., files) that are linked therein, forexample.

It will be recognized that any one or more user systems 102A-102M maycommunicate with any one or more servers 106A-106N. Although usersystems 102A-102M are depicted as desktop computers in FIG. 1, personsskilled in the relevant art(s) will appreciate that user systems102A-102M may include any client-enabled system or device, including butnot limited to a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer,a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, or the like.

Servers 106A-106N are processing systems that are capable ofcommunicating with user systems 102A-102M. Servers 106A-106N areconfigured to execute software programs that provide information tousers in response to receiving requests from the users. For example, theinformation may include documents (e.g., Web pages, images, video files,etc.), output of executables, or any other suitable type of information.In accordance with some example embodiments, servers 106A-106N areconfigured to host respective Web sites, so that the Web sites areaccessible to users of computer system 100.

One type of software program that may be executed by any one or more ofservers 106A-106N is a graphic flow program. A graphic flow program isexecuted by a server to generate and/or modify graphic flows based oninstructions that are provided by users. Such instructions may specifythat a shape is to be created in a workspace, a shape is to be deletedfrom the workspace, a shape is to be moved within the workspace, a typeof a shape is to be changed, a connection is to be created in theworkspace, a connection is to be deleted from the workspace, an existingconnection is to be moved within the workspace, value(s) of one or moreproperties associated with a connection are to be changed, etc. Firstserver(s) 106A is shown to include graphic flow module 108 forillustrative purposes. Graphic flow module 108 is configured to executea graphic flow program. For instance, graphic flow module 108 mayperform operations with respect to a graphic flow in response toinstructions and provide information regarding a visual representationof the graphic flow to a user system from which the instructions arereceived.

Graphic flow module 108 includes unrestricted connection logic 110.Unrestricted connection logic 110 is configured to enable generation ofa graphic flow having an unlimited number of connections between shapes.Some example techniques for generating a graphic flow having anunlimited number of connections between shapes are discussed in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3E, 4A-4D, 5A-5B, 6, and7.

Graphic flow module 108 and unrestricted connection logic 110 are shownto be incorporated in first server(s) 106A for illustrative purposes andare not intended to be limiting. It will be recognized that graphic flowmodule 108 and unrestricted connection logic 110 (or any portionthereof) may be incorporated in any one or more of the user systems102A-102M. For example, client-side aspects of graphic flow module 108and/or unrestricted connection logic 110 may be incorporated in one ormore of the user systems 102A-102M, and server-side aspects of graphicflow module 108 and/or unrestricted connection logic 110 may beincorporated in first server(s) 106A. In another example, graphic flowmodule 108 and unrestricted connection logic 110 may be distributedamong the user systems 102A-102M. In another example, graphic flowmodule 108 and unrestricted connection logic 110 may be incorporated ina single one of the user systems 102A-102M.

Unrestricted connection logic 110 may be implemented in various ways togenerate a graphic flow having an unlimited number of connectionsbetween shapes, including being implemented in hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, unrestrictedconnection logic 110 may be implemented as computer program codeconfigured to be executed in one or more processors. In another example,unrestricted connection logic 110 may be implemented as hardwarelogic/electrical circuitry. In an embodiment, unrestricted connectionlogic 110 may be implemented in a system-on-chip (SoC). Each SoC mayinclude an integrated circuit chip that includes one or more of aprocessor (e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signalprocessor (DSP), etc.), memory, one or more communication interfaces,and/or further circuits and/or embedded firmware to perform itsfunctions.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show respective example diagrams 200A, 200B,200C, and 200D that illustrate interaction of a cursor 204 with a shape202 in accordance with embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cursor 204is placed proximate a first side 210 of the shape 202. A first pixel208A, which is among a first subset of pixels that define the first side210, is highlighted when the cursor 204 comes within a specifiedproximity to the first side 210. For instance, the first pixel 208A maybe highlighted based on a proximity of the cursor 204 to the first pixel208A being closer than a proximity of the cursor 204 to each of theother pixels in the first subset. A hint 206 is provided along with thecursor 204 to provide information regarding an action that may be takenbased on the cursor 204 being proximate the first side 210 of the shape202. For instance, the hint 206 may be provided in response to thecursor 204 being within the specified proximity to the first side 210for at least a designated period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds,etc.). In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, hint 206 specifies that a line maybe dragged from the first pixel 208A to create a connection. It will berecognized that hint 206 may specify any suitable information.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the cursor 204 is placed proximate a second side212 of the shape 202. A second pixel 208B, which is among a secondsubset of pixels that define the second side 212, is highlighted whenthe cursor 204 comes within a specified proximity to the second side212. For instance, the cursor 204 may be moved from a first locationproximate the first pixel 208A to a second location proximate the secondpixel 208B in response to an instruction that is received from a user.As shown in FIG. 2C, the cursor 204 is placed proximate a third side 214of the shape 202, causing a third pixel 208C, which is among a thirdsubset of pixels that define the third side 214, to be highlighted. Asshown in FIG. 2D, the cursor 204 is placed proximate a fourth side 216of the shape 202, causing a fourth pixel 208D, which is among a fourthsubset of pixels that define the fourth side 216, to be highlighted.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E depict respective steps 300A, 300B, 300C,300D, and 300E in an example process for generating a connection betweenshapes 302 and 304 in a graphic flow in accordance with embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 3A, the initial (e.g., default) status of the shapes 302and 304 is to have no connections therebetween.

In FIG. 3B, a cursor 306 is shown to hover near a first pixel 308, whichis included along an outer perimeter of the first shape 302. The firstpixel 308 is shown to be highlighted based on its proximity to thecursor 306. For instance, a distance between the cursor 306 and thefirst pixel 308 may be no greater than (e.g., less than) a distancebetween the cursor 306 and each other pixel that is included along theouter perimeter of the first shape 302. The first pixel 308 may behighlighted automatically based on the cursor 308 being within aspecified proximity to the first shape 302 and further based on thedistance between the cursor 386 and the first pixel 308 being no greaterthan the distance between the cursor 306 and each other pixel that isincluded along the outer perimeter of the first shape 302. The firstpixel 308 may be highlighted further based on one or more othercriteria, such as the cursor 306 hovering proximate the first shape 302for a specified duration of time, a selection action being performed bya user. For instance, the user may press (or press and hold) a mousebutton, press (or press and hold) a finger or stylus against a displayscreen, speak a selection command, etc. A hint 310 is associated withthe cursor 306. The hint 310 specifies that a line may be dragged outfrom the first pixel 308 to create a connection.

As shown in FIG. 3C, a connection 318 is initiated from the first pixel308 in response to the user performing a selection command. A hint 312is associated with the cursor 306. The hint 312 specifies that a releaseaction may be performed to connect the first pixel 308 of the firstshape 302 to a new shape via connection 318. Note that the cursor 306 isat a location 320 in FIG. 3C that is not within a specified proximity tothe second shape 304. Accordingly, if the user performs the releaseaction while the cursor 306 is at location 320, a new shape is to becreated, and the first pixel 308 is to be connected to the new shape(rather than the second shape 304) via connection 318.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the cursor 306 is shown to be within the specifiedproximity to the second shape 304. Thus, a second pixel 316, which isincluded along an outer perimeter of the second shape 304, ishighlighted. A hint 314 is associated with the cursor 306. The hint 314specifies that a release action may be performed to connect the firstpixel 308 to the second pixel 316 via connection 318.

In FIG. 3E, the connection 318 is shown to be provided between the firstshape 302 and the second shape 304. More specifically, the connection318 is shown to be provided between the first pixel 308 and the secondpixel 316 in response to the user performing the release action whilethe cursor 306 is located proximate the second pixel 316. For instance,the user may press (or release) a mouse button, press a finger or stylusagainst (or release the same from) a display screen, speak a releasecommand, etc. Upon provision of the connection 318, a location of thefirst pixel 308 is represented by a solid circle for illustrativepurposes to indicate that the first pixel 308 corresponds to a startingconnection point of the connection 318. A location of the second pixel316 is represented by an arrowhead for illustrative purposes to indicatethat the second pixel 316 corresponds to an ending connection point ofthe connection 318. It will be recognized that a starting connectionpoint and an ending connection point may be identified by any suitableelements (e.g., shapes, objects, etc.).

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D depict respective steps 400A, 400B, 400C, and400D in another example process for generating a connection betweenshapes in a graphic flow in accordance with embodiments. As shown inFIG. 4A, the initial (e.g., default) status of the shapes 402 and 404 isto have no connections therebetween.

FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 3B in that a cursor 406 is shown to hovernear a first pixel 408, which is included along an outer perimeter ofthe first shape 402. The first pixel 408 is shown to be highlightedbased on its proximity to the cursor 406. A hint 410 is associated withthe cursor 406 to specify that a line may be dragged out from the firstpixel 408 to create a connection.

FIG. 4C is similar to FIG. 3C in that a connection 418 is initiated fromthe first pixel 408 in response to the user performing a selectioncommand. The cursor 306 is shown to be at a location 420 that is notwithin a specified proximity to the second shape 404A. Hint 412 isassociated with the cursor 406 to specify that a release action may beperformed while the cursor is at the location 420 to connect the firstpixel 408 of the first shape 402 to a new shape via connection 418.

In FIG. 4D, a new shape 422 is shown to be created in response to theuser performing the release action while the cursor 406 is at location420. The new shape 422 is not provided at the location 422 forillustrative purposes. Rather, the new shape 422 is provided such thatthe new shape 422 does not overlap the first shape 402 and/or the secondshape 404. The connection 418 is adjusted accordingly. For instance, theconnection 418 is shown to include a ninety-degree bend to accommodatethe location of the new shape 422.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict respective portions of a flowchart of an examplemethod for generating a graphical flow in accordance with an embodiment.FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of another example method for generating agraphical flow in accordance with an embodiment. Flowcharts 500 and 600may be performed by unrestricted connection logic 110 of device 100shown in FIG. 1, for example. For illustrative purposes, flowcharts 500and 600 are described with respect to unrestricted connection logic 700shown in FIG. 7, which is an example of unrestricted connection logic110, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, unrestrictedconnection logic 700 includes workspace logic 702, shape logic 704,action logic 706, proximity determination logic 708, connection logic710, distance logic 712, overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic718, route logic 720, and pixel selection logic 722. Further structuraland operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in therelevant art(s) based on the discussion regarding flowcharts 500 and600.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the method of flowchart 500 begins at step 502. Instep 502, information regarding a visual representation of a workspaceis provided toward a user interface. The visual representation isdefined by pixels. For instance the pixels may be arranged as an array(e.g., grid) of pixels that includes a plurality of rows and a pluralityof columns. In an example implementation, workspace logic 702 providesthe information regarding the visual representation of the workspace.

At step 504, a first shape is provided in the workspace. The first shapehas an outer perimeter that is defined by a first subset of the pixels.In an example implementation, shape logic 704 provides the first shapein the workspace.

At step 506, a second shape is provided in the workspace. In an exampleimplementation, shape logic provides the second shape in the workspace.

At step 508, a determination is made that a selection action isinitiated while a cursor is located at a first location in theworkspace. For instance, the determination that the selection action isinitiated may be based on detecting that a button on a computer mousedevice is pressed (or pressed and held for at least a designated periodof time), based on detecting that an object such as a finger or a stylusis pressed (or pressed and held for at least a designated period oftime) against a display surface, based on detecting that such an objectis placed within a designated proximity of a display surface (e.g., forat least a designated period of time), etc. while the cursor is locatedat the first location. In an example implementation, action logic 706determines that the selection action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the first location.

At step 510, a determination is made whether the first location iswithin a first specified proximity to the first shape. The firstspecified proximity may be defined to require the first location to bewithin an area that is defined by the first shape, within a specifieddistance from an area that is defined by the first shape, within aspecified distance from the first subset of the pixels, coincident withthe first subset of the pixels, coincident with an area that is definedby the first shape, etc. If the first location is within the firstspecified proximity to the first shape, flow continues to step 514.Otherwise, flow continues to step 512. In an example implementation,proximity determination logic 708 determines whether the first locationis within the first specified proximity to the first shape.

At step 512, a connection is not provided between the first shape andanother shape in the workspace based on initiation of the selectionaction. In an example implementation, connection logic 710 does notprovide a connection between the first shape and another shape in theworkspace based on initiation of the selection action. Upon completionof step 512, flowchart 500 ends.

At step 514, a first pixel of the first subset is determined for which adistance between the first pixel and the first location is not greaterthan a distance between each other pixel of the first subset and thefirst location. For instance, the first pixel may be determined based onthe distance between the first pixel and the first location being lessthan the distance between each other pixel of the first subset and thefirst location. It should be noted that the first pixel may be highlight(e.g., brightened, enlarged, caused to blink, caused to change color,etc.) in response to the cursor being located at or within a specifieddistance from the first pixel. The specified distance may or may notcorrespond to the first specified proximity that is discussed above withreference to step 510. In an example implementation, distance logic 712determines the first pixel of the first subset.

In an example embodiment, step 510 is performed in response to step 514.In accordance with this embodiment, the determination whether the firstlocation is within the first specified proximity to the first shape atstep 510 may be based on whether the first location is within the firstspecified proximity to the first pixel, which is described withreference to step 514.

At step 516, a determination is made that a release action is initiatedwhile the cursor is located at a second location in the workspace. In anexample implementation, action logic 706 determines that the releaseaction is initiated while the cursor is located at the second location.Upon completion of step 516, flow continues to step 518, which is shownin FIG. 5B.

At step 518, a determination is made whether the second location iswithin a second specified proximity to the second shape. The secondspecified proximity may be defined to require the second location to bewithin an area that is defined by the second shape, within a specifieddistance from an area that is defined by the second shape, within aspecified distance from the second subset of the pixels, coincident witha second subset of the pixels that defines an outer perimeter of thesecond shape, coincident with an area that is defined by the secondshape, etc. If the second location is within the second specifiedproximity to the second shape, flow continues to step 520. Otherwise,flow continues to step 522. In an example implementation, proximitylogic 708 determines whether the second location is within the secondspecified proximity to the second shape.

At step 520, a connection is provided between the first pixel and asecond pixel that is included in a second subset of the pixels. Forinstance, the connection may be drawn between the first pixel and thesecond pixel. The second subset defines the outer boundary of the secondshape. A distance between the second pixel and the second location maynot be greater than (e.g., may be less than) a distance between eachother pixel of the second subset and the second location. It should benoted that the second pixel may be highlight (e.g., brightened,enlarged, caused to blink, caused to change color, etc.) in response tothe cursor being located at or within a specified distance from thesecond pixel. The specified distance may or may not correspond to thesecond specified proximity that is discussed above with reference tostep 518. In an example implementation, connection logic 710 provides aconnection between the first pixel and the second pixel. Upon completionof step 520, flowchart 500 ends.

In an example embodiment, the determination whether the second locationis within the second specified proximity to the second shape at step 518may be based on whether the second location is within the secondspecified proximity to the second pixel, which is described withreference to step 520.

At step 522, a determination is made whether the second location iswithin a third specified proximity to other shape(s) in the workspace.The third specified proximity may be defined to require the secondlocation to be within an area that is defined by another shape, within aspecified distance from an area that is defined by another shape, withina specified distance from (or coincident with) a subset of the pixelsthat defines an outer perimeter of another shape, coincident with anarea that is defined by another shape, etc. If the second location iswithin the third specified proximity to other shape(s) in the workspace,flow continues to step 524. Otherwise, flow continues to step 528. In anexample implementation, proximity logic 708 determines whether thesecond location is within the third specified proximity to othershape(s) in the workspace.

At step 524, a designated shape of the other shape(s) is determined forwhich a distance between the designated shape and the second location isnot greater than a distance between each of the other shape(s) and thesecond location. In an example implementation, distance logic 712determines the designated shape of the other shape(s).

At step 526, a connection is provided between the first shape and thedesignated shape. In an example implementation, connection logic 710provides a connection between the first shape and the designated shape.Upon completion of step 526, flowchart 500 ends.

At step 528, a third shape is created in the workspace at a designatedlocation that corresponds to the second location. In an exampleimplementation, shape logic 704 creates the third shape in the workspaceat the designated location.

In an example embodiment, a determination is made that creation of thethird shape at the second location would result in the third shapeoverlapping with at least one of the other shape(s) in the workspace.For instance, overlap logic 714 may determine that creation of the thirdshape at the second location would result in the third shape overlappingwith at least one of the other shape(s) in the workspace. In accordancewith this embodiment, creating the third shape at the designatedlocation is performed such that the third shape does not overlap with atleast one of the other shape(s) in the workspace. In an aspect of thisembodiment, creating the third shape may include automatically changinga location at which the third shape is to be created form the secondlocation to the designated location.

At step 530, a connection is provided between the first shape and thethird shape. In an example implementation, connection logic 710 providesa connection between the first shape and the third shape. Uponcompletion of step 530, flowchart 500 ends.

In an example embodiment, a determination is made that the first shapehas a designated shape type. For instance, type logic 716 may determinethat the first shape has the designated shape type. In accordance withthis embodiment, the designated shape type is selected from a pluralityof shape types for the third shape based on the first shape having thedesignated shape type. For instance, type logic may select thedesignated shape type from the plurality of shape types for the thirdshape. In further accordance with this embodiment, the third shape iscreated at step 528 to have the designated shape type. It will berecognized that the designated shape type of the third shape may besubsequently changed to another shape type. For example, a type changeinstruction may be received from a user. In accordance with thisexample, the designated shape type of the third shape may be replacedwith a different shape type that is specified by the type changeinstruction.

In another example embodiment, a menu is provided that identifies aplurality of selectable shape types in response to determining that therelease action is initiated at step 516. For instance, menu logic 718may provide the menu (e.g., in a pop-up window) in response todetermining that the release action is initiated. In accordance withthis embodiment, a determination may be made that a designatedselectable shape type of the plurality of selectable shape types isselected. For instance, menu logic 718 may determine that the designatedselectable shape type is selected. In further accordance with thisembodiment, the third shape is created at step 528 to have thedesignated selectable shape type in response to a determination that thedesignated selectable shape type is selected.

In yet another example embodiment, a plurality of potential routes isavailable for a specified connection. The specified connection may beany suitable connection. For example, the specified connection may bethe connection between the first pixel and the second pixel, asdescribed above with reference to step 520. In another example, thespecified connection may be the connection between the first shape andthe designated shape, as described above with reference to step 526. Inyet another example, the specified connection may be the connectionbetween the first shape and the third shape, as described above withreference to step 530. In an aspect of this embodiment, other route(s)may be included in the workspace. The other route(s) may be associatedwith respective connection(s) that exist between shapes in theworkspace. A designated potential route of the plurality of potentialroutes does not overlap with the other route(s) and/or with any shapesin the workspace. For instance, route logic 720 may determine that thedesignated potential route does not overlap with the other route(s)and/or with any of the shapes in the workspace. At least one potentialroute of the plurality of potential routes overlaps with at least one ofthe other route(s) and/or with at least one of the shapes in theworkspace. For instance, a first potential route of the plurality ofpotential routes may overlap with at least one of the other route(s) andnot overlap with at least one of the shapes in the workspace. A secondpotential route of the plurality of routes may overlap with at least oneof the shapes in the workspace and not overlap with at least one of theother route(s). A third potential route of the plurality of routes mayoverlap with at least one of the other route(s) and overlap with atleast one of the shapes in the workspace. In further accordance withthis embodiment, the designated potential route is automaticallyselected for the specified connection from the plurality of potentialroutes based on the designated potential route not overlapping with theother route(s) and/or based on the designated potential route notoverlapping with at least one of the shapes in the workspace. Forinstance, route logic 720 may automatically select the designatedpotential route for the specified connection. In further accordance withthis embodiment, the specified connection is provided in accordance withthe designated potential route. For instance, the specified connectionmay be provided to have the designated potential route.

It should be noted that route logic 720 initially may attempt to avoidoverlapping the specified connection with the other route(s) and withany of the shapes in the workspace. If all of the potential routes inthe plurality of potential routes overlap at least one of the otherroute(s), route logic 720 may stop attempting to avoid overlapping thespecified connection with the other route(s), though route logic 720 maycontinue attempting to avoid overlapping the specified connection withany of the shapes in the workspace. If all of the potential routes inthe plurality of potential routes overlap at least one of the shapes inthe workspace, route logic 720 may stop attempting to avoid overlappingthe specified connection with any of the shapes in the workspace. Ifroute logic 720 determines that all of the potential routes in theplurality of routes overlap at least one of the other route(s) and atleast one of the shapes in the workspace, route logic 720 may select(e.g., automatically select) a specified potential route from theplurality of potential routes for the specified connection. Forinstance, the specified potential route may be selected based on thespecified potential route overlapping no more (e.g., fewer) otherroute(s) and/or no more (e.g., fewer) of the shapes in the workspacethan other potential routes in the plurality of potential routes.

In still another example embodiment, a determination is made that asecond selection action is initiated while the cursor is located at athird location that is within a designated proximity to a specifiedconnection. For instance, action logic 706 may determine that the secondselection action is initiated while the cursor is located at the thirdlocation. The second selection action may be any suitable action,including but not limited to a single-click or a double-click using apointing device (e.g., a mouse, finger, or stylus), maintaining thecursor at the third location for at least a specified period of time, aspoken selection command, etc. In accordance with this embodiment, amenu is provided that identifies a plurality of selectable properties ofthe specified connection. For instance, menu logic 718 may provide themenu. Each of the selectable properties is selectable to change a valueof that selectable property. In response to selection of a selectableproperty in the menu, a second menu that includes a plurality ofselectable values of that selectable property may be provided, or a textwindow may be provided for entry of a suitable value.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps 502, 504, 506, 508, 510,512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and/or 530 of flowchart 500may not be performed. Moreover, steps in addition to or in lieu of steps502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528,and/or 530 may be performed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the method of flowchart 600 begins at step 602. Instep 602, information regarding a visual representation of a workspaceis provided toward a user interface. The visual representation isdefined by pixels. In an example implementation, workspace logic 702provides the information regarding the visual representation of theworkspace toward the user interface.

At step 604, a first shape is provided in the workspace. The first shapehas an outer perimeter that is defined by a first subset of the pixels.The first subset includes a series of adjacent pixels for each side ofthe first shape. Each pixel in the first subset is selectable as a firstconnection point. In an example implementation, shape logic 704 providesthe first shape in the workspace.

At step 606, a second shape is provided in the workspace. The secondshape has an outer perimeter that is defined by a second subset of thepixels. The second subset includes a series of adjacent pixels for eachside of the second shape. Each pixel in the second subset is selectableas a second connection point. In an example implementation, shape logic704 provides the second shape in the workspace.

At step 608, a determination is made that a selection action isinitiated while a cursor is located at a first location within aspecified proximity to the first shape in the workspace. In an exampleimplementation, action logic 706 determines that the selection action isinitiated while the cursor is located at the first location.

At step 610, a determination is made that a release action is initiatedwhile the cursor is located at a second location in the workspace. In anexample implementation, action logic 706 determines that the releaseaction is initiated while the cursor is located at the second location.

In some example embodiments, step 610 is performed in response to step606. For example, the second location may be within a second specifiedproximity to the second shape. In accordance with this example, it maybe determined at step 610 that the release action is initiated while thecursor is located at the second location within the second specifiedproximity to the second shape.

In other example embodiments, step 606 is performed in response to step610. In accordance with these embodiments, the second location may notbe within a second specified proximity to the first shape and/or othershape(s) in the workspace. Accordingly, it may be determined at step 610that the release action is initiated while the cursor is located at thesecond location not within the second specified proximity to the firstshape and/or the other shape(s).

In an aspect of these embodiments, a menu may be provided thatidentifies a plurality of selectable shape types in response todetermining that the release action is initiated at step 610. Inaccordance with this aspect, a determination may be made that adesignated selectable shape type of the plurality of selectable shapetypes is selected. In further accordance with this aspect, the secondshape may be provided at step 606 to have the designated selectableshape type in response to determining that the designated selectableshape type is selected.

In another aspect, a determination may be made that the first shape hasa designated shape type. In accordance with this aspect, the designatedshape type may be selected from a plurality of shape types for thesecond shape based on the first shape having the designated shape type.In further accordance with this aspect, the second shape may be providedat step 606 to have the designated shape type in response to selectingthe designated shape type for the second shape.

In yet another aspect, a determination may be made that providing thesecond shape at the second location would result in the second shapeoverlapping with at least one of the other shape(s) (e.g., the firstshape) in the workspace. In accordance with this aspect, the secondshape may be provided at step 606 such that the second shape does notoverlap with at least one of the other shape(s) in the workspace.

At step 612, a first pixel of the first subset of pixels is selected tobe the first connection point based on one or more first criteria. Forinstance, the one or more first criteria may specify that the firstpixel is to be within a first proximity to the first location, that thefirst pixel is to be a pixel in the series of pixels for a designatedside of the first shape that is closer to the first location than otherpixels in the series of pixels for the designated side, that selectionof the first pixel is to result in a connection thereto not overlappingwith another connection in the workspace, etc. In an exampleimplementation, pixel selection logic 722 selects the first pixel of thefirst subset of pixels to be the first connection point based on the oneor more criteria.

At step 614, a second pixel of the second subset of pixels is selectedto be the second connection point based on one or more second criteria.For instance, the one or more second criteria may specify that thesecond pixel is to be within a second proximity to the second location,that the second pixel is to be a pixel in the series of pixels for adesignated side of the second shape that is closer to the secondlocation than other pixels in the series of pixels for the designatedside, that selection of the second pixel is to result in a connectionthereto not overlapping with another connection in the workspace, thatselection of the second pixel is to result in the second shape notoverlapping with another one or more shapes in the workspace, etc. In anexample implementation, pixel selection logic 722 selects the secondpixel of the second subset of the pixels to be the second connectionpoint based on the one or more criteria.

At step 616, a connection is provided between the first connection pointand the second connection point. In an example implementation,connection logic 710 provides the connection between the firstconnection point and the second connection point.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610,612, 614, and/or 616 of flowchart 600 may not be performed. Moreover,steps in addition to or in lieu of steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612,614, and/or 616 may be performed.

It will be recognized that unrestricted connection logic 700 may notinclude one or more of workspace logic 702, shape logic 704, actionlogic 706, proximity determination logic 708, connection logic 710,distance logic 712, overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic 718,route logic 720, and/or pixel selection logic 722. Furthermore,unrestricted connection logic 700 may include modules in addition to orin lieu of workspace logic 702, shape logic 704, action logic 706,proximity determination logic 708, connection logic 710, distance logic712, overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic 718, route logic 720,and/or pixel selection logic 722.

Graphic flow module 108, unrestricted connection logic 110, workspacelogic 702, shape logic 704, action logic 706, proximity determinationlogic 708, connection logic 710, distance logic 712, overlap logic 714,type logic 716, menu logic 718, route logic 720, pixel selection logic722, flowchart 500, and flowchart 600 may be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

For example, graphic flow module 108, unrestricted connection logic 110,workspace logic 702, shape logic 704, action logic 706, proximitydetermination logic 708, connection logic 710, distance logic 712,overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic 718, route logic 720,pixel selection logic 722, flowchart 500, and/or flowchart 600 may beimplemented as computer program code configured to be executed in one ormore processors.

In another example, graphic flow module 108, unrestricted connectionlogic 110, workspace logic 702, shape logic 704, action logic 706,proximity determination logic 708, connection logic 710, distance logic712, overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic 718, route logic 720,pixel selection logic 722, flowchart 500, and/or flowchart 600 may beimplemented as hardware logic/electrical circuitry. For instance, in anembodiment, one or more of graphic flow module 108, unrestrictedconnection logic 110, workspace logic 702, shape logic 704, action logic706, proximity determination logic 708, connection logic 710, distancelogic 712, overlap logic 714, type logic 716, menu logic 718, routelogic 720, pixel selection logic 722, flowchart 500, and/or flowchart600 may be implemented in a system-on-chip (SoC). The SoC may include anintegrated circuit chip that includes one or more of a processor (e.g.,a microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP),etc.), memory, one or more communication interfaces, and/or furthercircuits and/or embedded firmware to perform its functions.

FIG. 8 depicts an example computer 800 in which embodiments may beimplemented. Any one or more of the clients 102A-102M or any one or moreof servers 106A-106N shown in FIG. 1 (or any one or more subcomponentsthereof shown in FIGS. 1 and 7) may be implemented using computer 800,including one or more features of computer 800 and/or alternativefeatures. Computer 800 may be a general-purpose computing device in theform of a conventional personal computer, a mobile computer, or aworkstation, for example, or computer 800 may be a special purposecomputing device. The description of computer 800 provided herein isprovided for purposes of illustration, and is not intended to belimiting. Embodiments may be implemented in further types of computersystems, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

As shown in FIG. 8, computer 800 includes a processing unit 802, asystem memory 804, and a bus 806 that couples various system componentsincluding system memory 804 to processing unit 802. Bus 806 representsone or more of any of several types of bus structures, including amemory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an acceleratedgraphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. System memory 804 includes read only memory (ROM) 808and random access memory (RAM) 810. A basic input/output system 812(BIOS) is stored in ROM 808.

Computer 800 also has one or more of the following drives: a hard diskdrive 814 for reading from and writing to a hard disk, a magnetic diskdrive 816 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 818,and an optical disk drive 820 for reading from or writing to a removableoptical disk 822 such as a CD ROM, DVD ROM, or other optical media. Harddisk drive 814, magnetic disk drive 816, and optical disk drive 820 areconnected to bus 806 by a hard disk drive interface 824, a magnetic diskdrive interface 826, and an optical drive interface 828, respectively.The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules and other data for the computer. Although a hard disk, aremovable magnetic disk and a removable optical disk are described,other types of computer-readable storage media can be used to storedata, such as flash memory cards, digital video disks, random accessmemories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magneticdisk, optical disk, ROM, or RAM. These programs include an operatingsystem 830, one or more application programs 832, other program modules834, and program data 836. Application programs 832 or program modules834 may include, for example, computer program logic for implementinggraphic flow module 108, unrestricted connection logic 110, workspacelogic 702, shape logic 704, action logic 706, proximity determinationlogic 708, connection logic 710, distance logic 712, overlap logic 714,type logic 716, menu logic 718, route logic 720, pixel selection logic722, flowchart 500 (including any step of flowchart 500), and/orflowchart 600 (including any step of flowchart 600), as describedherein.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer 800 throughinput devices such as keyboard 838 and pointing device 840. Other inputdevices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices areoften connected to the processing unit 802 through a serial portinterface 842 that is coupled to bus 806, but may be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB).

A display device 844 (e.g., a monitor) is also connected to bus 806 viaan interface, such as a video adapter 846. In addition to display device844, computer 800 may include other peripheral output devices (notshown) such as speakers and printers.

Computer 800 is connected to a network 848 (e.g., the Internet) througha network interface or adapter 850, a modem 852, or other means forestablishing communications over the network. Modem 852, which may beinternal or external, is connected to bus 806 via serial port interface842.

As used herein, the terms “computer program medium” and“computer-readable medium” are used to generally refer to media such asthe hard disk associated with hard disk drive 814, removable magneticdisk 818, removable optical disk 822, as well as other media such asflash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memories (RAMs),read only memories (ROM), and the like. Such computer-readable storagemedia are distinguished from and non-overlapping with communicationmedia. Communication media typically embodies computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave. The term “modulated datasignal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Byway of example, and not limitation, communication media includeswireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.Example embodiments are also directed to such communication media.

As noted above, computer programs and modules (including applicationprograms 832 and other program modules 834) may be stored on the harddisk, magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM, or RAM. Such computer programsmay also be received via network interface 850 or serial port interface842. Such computer programs, when executed or loaded by an application,enable computer 800 to implement features of embodiments discussedherein. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of thecomputer 800.

Example embodiments are also directed to computer program productscomprising software (e.g., computer-readable instructions) stored on anycomputer useable medium. Such software, when executed in one or moredata processing devices, causes a data processing device(s) to operateas described herein. Embodiments may employ any computer-useable orcomputer-readable medium, known now or in the future. Examples ofcomputer-readable mediums include, but are not limited to storagedevices such as RAM, hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, DVD ROMs, zipdisks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices,MEMS-based storage devices, nanotechnology-based storage devices, andthe like.

III. Conclusion

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevantart(s) that various changes in form and details can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by anyof the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined onlyin accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: memory; and one or moreprocessors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configuredto: provide information regarding a visual representation of a workspacetoward a user interface, the visual representation being defined by aplurality of pixels; provide a first shape and a second shape in theworkspace, the first shape having an outer perimeter that is defined bya first subset of the plurality of pixels, each pixel in the firstsubset being selectable as a first connection point, the second shapehaving an outer perimeter that is defined by a second subset of theplurality of pixels, each pixel in the second subset being selectable asa second connection point; determine that a selection action isinitiated while a cursor is located at a first location in theworkspace; determine that a release action is initiated while the cursoris located at a second location in the workspace in response to adetermination that the selection action is initiated; select a firstpixel of the first subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximatethe first location to be the first connection point in response to adetermination that the selection action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the first location in the workspace; select a second pixel ofthe second subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximate thesecond location to be the second connection point in response to adetermination that the release action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the second location in the workspace; automatically select apotential route for a connection between the first pixel, which is at afirst specified position in the workspace and which is included in thefirst subset of the plurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeterof the first shape, and the second pixel, which is at a second specifiedposition in the workspace and which is included in the second subset ofthe plurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeter of the secondshape, from a plurality of potential routes based at least in part onthe selected potential route not overlapping with one or more otherconnections that are included in the workspace, the connection connectedto no shapes other than the first shape and the second shape, at leastone potential route of the plurality of potential routes overlaps withat least one of the one or more other connections that are included inthe workspace, the selected potential route does not overlap with one ormore other connections between shapes that are included in theworkspace; and provide the connection between the first connection pointand the second connection point in accordance with the selectedpotential route.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first subset ofthe plurality of pixels includes a series of adjacent pixels for eachside of the first shape; wherein the second subset includes a series ofadjacent pixels for each side of the second shape; and wherein the oneor more processors are configured to: select the first pixel of thefirst subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximate the firstlocation from among the series of pixels for a first designated side ofthe first shape to be the first connection point in response to thedetermination that the selection action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the first location in the workspace; and select the secondpixel of the second subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximatethe second location from among the series of pixels for the seconddesignated side of the second shape to be the second connection point inresponse to the determination that the release action is initiated whilethe cursor is located at the second location in the workspace.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:determine that the first location is within a specified distance from anarea that is defined by the first shape; and select the first pixel ofthe first subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximate the firstlocation to be the first connection point based at least in part on thedetermination that the selection action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the first location in the workspace and further based atleast in part on a determination that the first location is within thespecified distance from the area that is defined by the first shape. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors are configuredto: determine that the second location is within a second specifieddistance from a second area that is defined by the second shape; andselect the second pixel of the second subset of the plurality of pixelsthat is proximate the second location to be the second connection pointbased at least in part on the determination that the release action isinitiated while the cursor is located at the second location in theworkspace and further based at least in part on a determination that thesecond location is within the second specified distance from the secondarea that is defined by the second shape.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the one or more processors are configured to: determine that thefirst shape has a designated shape type; select the designated shapetype from a plurality of shape types for the second shape based at leastin part on the first shape having the designated shape type; and providethe second shape to have the designated shape type in response toselection of the designated shape type for the second shape.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:determine that a second selection action is initiated while the cursoris located at a third location that is within a designated proximity tothe connection between the first pixel, which is included in the firstsubset of the plurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeter ofthe first shape, and the second pixel, which is included in the secondsubset of the plurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeter ofthe second shape; provide a menu that identifies a plurality ofselectable properties of the connection between the first pixel and thesecond pixel in response to a determination that the second selectionaction is initiated, each selectable property of the plurality ofselectable properties being selectable to change a value of thatselectable property; and provide a second menu for at least one ofselection or entry of the value of a designated selectable property ofthe connection between the first pixel and the second pixel based atleast in part on the designated selectable property of the connectionbetween the first pixel and the second pixel being selected from theplurality of selectable properties.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe one or more processors are configured to: provide a textual hintbased at least in part on the cursor being within a specified proximityto the first shape, the textual hint providing information regarding anaction that is capable of being performed based at least in part on thecursor being proximate the first shape, the textual hint specifying thata connection is capable of being created by dragging a line out from thefirst pixel.
 8. A method comprising: providing information regarding avisual representation of a workspace toward a user interface, the visualrepresentation being defined by a plurality of pixels; providing a firstshape in the workspace, the first shape having an outer perimeter thatis defined by a first subset of the plurality of pixels; determiningthat a selection action is initiated while a cursor is located at afirst location in the workspace; determining a first pixel of the firstsubset of the plurality of pixels that is proximate the first location;determining that a release action is initiated while the cursor islocated at a second location in the workspace; automatically selecting adesignated potential route for a connection between the first pixel,which is at a first specified position in the workspace and which isincluded in the first subset of the plurality of pixels that defines theouter perimeter of the first shape, and a second pixel, which is at asecond specified position in the workspace and which is included in asecond subset of the plurality of pixels that defines an outer boundaryof a second shape, from a plurality of potential routes based at leastin part on the designated potential route not overlapping with one ormore other connections that are included in the workspace, theconnection connected to no shapes other than the first shape and thesecond shape, at least one potential route of the plurality of potentialroutes overlaps with at least one of the one or more other connectionsthat are included in the workspace; and providing a connection betweenthe first pixel and the second pixel in accordance with the designatedpotential route.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that therelease action is initiated comprises: determining that the releaseaction is initiated while the cursor is located at the second locationin the workspace and while the second location does not correspond to anexisting shape in the workspace.
 10. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: determining that the second location is not within a secondspecified distance from one or more areas that are defined by one ormore respective other shapes in the workspace; and creating the secondshape in the workspace at a designated location that corresponds to thesecond location based at least in part on the second location not beingwithin the second specified distance from the one or more areas that aredefined by the one or more respective other shapes in the workspace. 11.The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining that the firstshape has a designated shape type; and selecting the designated shapetype from a plurality of shape types for the second shape based at leastin part on the first shape having the designated shape type; whereincreating the second shape comprises: creating the second shape to havethe designated shape type in response to selecting the designated shapetype for the second shape.
 12. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: determining that a second selection action is initiatedwhile the cursor is located at a third location that is within adesignated proximity to the connection between the first pixel, which isincluded in the first subset of the plurality of pixels that defines theouter perimeter of the first shape, and the second pixel, which isincluded in the second subset of the plurality of pixels that definesthe outer boundary of the second shape; providing a menu that identifiesa plurality of selectable properties of the connection between the firstpixel and the second pixel in response to determining that the secondselection action is initiated, each selectable property of the pluralityof selectable properties being selectable to change a value of thatselectable property; determining that a designated selectable propertyof the connection between the first pixel and the second pixel isselected from the plurality of selectable properties; and providing asecond menu for at least one of selection or entry of the value of thedesignated selectable property of the connection between the first pixeland the second pixel in response to determining that the designatedselectable property of the connection between the first pixel and thesecond pixel is selected.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:determining that each of a plurality of potential routes for theconnection overlaps with at least one other connection that is includedin the workspace; and selecting a specified potential route from theplurality of potential routes for the connection based at least in parton the specified potential route overlapping no more other connectionsin the workspace than other potential routes in the plurality ofpotential routes.
 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising:providing a textual hint based at least in part on the cursor beingwithin a specified proximity to the first shape, the textual hintproviding information regarding an action that is capable of beingperformed based at least in part on the cursor being proximate the firstshape; wherein the textual hint specifies that a connection is capableof being created by dragging a line out from the first pixel.
 15. Amethod comprising: providing information regarding a visualrepresentation of a workspace toward a user interface, the visualrepresentation being defined by a plurality of pixels; providing a firstshape and a second shape in the workspace, the first shape having anouter perimeter that is defined by a first subset of the plurality ofpixels, each pixel in the first subset being selectable as a firstconnection point, the second shape having an outer perimeter that isdefined by a second subset of the plurality of pixels, each pixel in thesecond subset being selectable as a second connection point; determiningthat a selection action is initiated while a cursor is located at afirst location in the workspace; determining that a release action isinitiated while the cursor is located at a second location in theworkspace in response to determining that the selection action isinitiated; selecting a first pixel of the first subset of the pluralityof pixels that is proximate the first location to be the firstconnection point in response to determining that the selection action isinitiated while the cursor is located at the first location in theworkspace; selecting a second pixel of the second subset of theplurality of pixels that is proximate the second location to be thesecond connection point in response to determining that the releaseaction is initiated while the cursor is located at the second locationin the workspace; automatically selecting a potential route for aconnection between the first pixel, which is at a first specifiedposition in the workspace and which is included in the first subset ofthe plurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeter of the firstshape, and the second pixel, which is at a second specified position inthe workspace and which is included in the second subset of theplurality of pixels that defines the outer perimeter of the secondshape, from a plurality of potential routes based at least in part onthe selected potential route not overlapping with one or more otherconnections that are included in the workspace, the connection connectedto no shapes other than the first shape and the second shape, at leastone potential route of the plurality of potential routes overlaps withat least one of the one or more other connections that are included inthe workspace, the selected potential route does not overlap with one ormore other connections between shapes that are included in theworkspace; and providing the connection between the first connectionpoint and the second connection point in accordance with the selectedpotential route.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first subset ofthe plurality of pixels includes a series of adjacent pixels for eachside of the first shape; wherein the second subset includes a series ofadjacent pixels for each side of the second shape; wherein selecting thefirst pixel of the first subset of the plurality of pixels that isproximate the first location to be the first connection point comprises:selecting the first pixel of the first subset of the plurality of pixelsthat is proximate the first location from among the series of pixels fora first designated side of the first shape to be the first connectionpoint in response to the determination that the selection action isinitiated while the cursor is located at the first location in theworkspace; and wherein selecting the second pixel of the second subsetof the plurality of pixels that is proximate the second location to bethe second connection point comprises: selecting the second pixel of thesecond subset of the plurality of pixels that is proximate the secondlocation from among the series of pixels for the second designated sideof the second shape to be the second connection point in response to thedetermination that the release action is initiated while the cursor islocated at the second location in the workspace.
 17. The method of claim15, further comprising: determining that the first shape has adesignated shape type; and selecting the designated shape type from aplurality of shape types for the second shape based at least in part onthe first shape having the designated shape type; wherein providing thefirst shape and the second shape in the workspace comprises: providingthe second shape to have the designated shape type in response toselection of the designated shape type for the second shape.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are configuredto: determine that a second selection action is initiated while thecursor is located at a third location that is within a designatedproximity to the connection between the first pixel, which is includedin the first subset of the plurality of pixels that defines the outerperimeter of the first shape, and the second pixel, which is included inthe second subset of the plurality of pixels that defines the outerperimeter of the second shape; provide a menu that identifies aplurality of selectable properties of the connection between the firstpixel and the second pixel in response to a determination that thesecond selection action is initiated, each selectable property of theplurality of selectable properties being selectable to change a value ofthat selectable property; and provide a second menu for at least one ofselection or entry of the value of a designated selectable property ofthe connection between the first pixel and the second pixel based atleast in part on the designated selectable property of the connectionbetween the first pixel and the second pixel being selected from theplurality of selectable properties.
 19. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: providing a textual hint based at least in part on thecursor being within a specified proximity to the first shape, thetextual hint providing information regarding an action that is capableof being performed based at least in part on the cursor being proximatethe first shape.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the textual hintspecifies that a connection is capable of being created by dragging aline out from the first pixel.